lyman scope value

[longrange223]

picked up a gun with a pretty unique scope on it & was wondering what its value is,it's a lyman all american perma center in 2.5x,it has a post reticle that is kind of pointed & a horizontal cross bar,looks to be all steel,any help with age & value would be appreciated

 

[tenring]

I have the same scope in a 4x. In fact, I have several old Lyman Perma Center scopes in 6x and 8x. They were very good in their time. The reticule you have is a post superimposed on a standard crosswire. My first scope was a Bushnell 3x with 'Command Post', which the post could be raised and lowered thru a small lever under the windage cap. I still have it, but have removed these old scopes from my hunting rifles, because over the last 40 years, quality of newer optics has improved greatly. I do not consider any of the older low power scopes to be worth a lot. And finding someone to repair them at reasonable cost could be a challenge.

 

[3dtestify]

I'm a Lyman Perma Center collector, so I'll tell you a what I know. These were fine optics for the era they were produced. The Perma Centers were made from 1962-1980 for the 2.5x, 3x, 6x, 8x & 10x & the 4x was made up to 1985. They featured aluminum tubes & constantly centered reticles of #7 crosswire, #5 tapered post & crosswire, #6 tapered post or the optional extra cost Lee Dot. I have owned a 2.5x, 3x, 4x & 6x all in there original boxes with different reticles. As to pricing, I've tracked Ebay & Gunbroker sales over the past few years with prices sold as follows; a 2.5x,$103.50), a 3x,$133.61)in box, a 3x,$112.50), a 4x,$160.25) in box, a 4x,$172.50)in box. Generally, in good condition you'll get over $100.00 & great condition with box $150.00 & up. The higher 8x & 10x magnifications bring even more value. Nick Stroebel's book,'Old Gunsights & Riflescopes', lists the 2.5x at $150.00-$250.00, a little high for todays current market. Ebay watching over time will give you some idea of current values. Hope this helps.

 

[fdshuster]

Repairs for older scopes: Parsons Scope Service, PO Box 192 Ross Ohio 45061-0192, psscopes@psscopes.cnc.net

 

[3dtestify]

Yes, Gil Parsons will refurbish old vintage optics, but his specialty is rebuilding Lymans. He's top notch and is considered 'The Lyman Expert'.